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traveled in 7 countries Read more Leicester, United Kingdom
  • Southeast Asia 2022
    Day 96

    And So Our Adventure Ends... For Now

    September 23, 2022 in Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Jess’ final words:

    The last 3 months have been nothing short of a real adventure. This really has been the best 3 months of our lives. It's been extremely eye opening to see different ways of living, different cultures, people and attitudes. We've learnt so much, come away thinking twice about what real problems are as well as what life is really all about. On many occasions I've been pushed out of my comfort zone, with the spontaneous 'go with flow' way of living definitely taking me some time to get used to but this has all added to my personal journey. And to say this was all done out of a single backpack - yes I managed this!

    6 countries, 33 locations, 13 flights, 11 boat crossings, 7 bus journeys, 2 trains and countless scooter rides, taxis and tuk tuks. We leave Asia with the most unforgettable memories. It has been such an incredible experience and to top it off we return home as fiancés. Farewell for now Southeast Asia… you've been a blast, but we will definitely be back!

    Dan’s final words:

    What a truly life changing experience! Southeast Asia really is a wonderful part of the world filled with some of the happiest people, stunning views, beautiful culture and delicious food. So many memories have been made from diving in Thailand, Kuang Si falls in Laos, an engagement in Vietnam, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Ubud in Bali, Mount Rinjani of Lombok and so much more, all whilst living out of a backpack. Our adventure has continued to emphasise what really matters in life. It’s not about the items you own, nor the money you have but it’s about creating lasting memories, making the most out of what you have and being happy no matter how difficult times may seem as I can assure you, we really do have it okay in comparison to some.

    We’ve really struggled to name our favourite country given there is such variety out there but after much deliberation we have finally given the top spot to Indonesia with Thailand right behind. That being said we’ve loved every single minute and genuinely would not hesitate to get back on a plane tomorrow if we could. It really was an experience of a lifetime and I would happily recommend it anyone!    Read more

  • Southeast Asia 2022
    Day 96

    So Long Singapore

    September 23, 2022 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    All good things have to come to an end and for us, that day is today. As our flight was not until 21.40, we had the whole day and left for Sentosa island, an island of activities just off the mainland. Here we visited SEA Aquarium, one of the biggest on the world. It was great seeing all the marine life including sharks, rays, jelly fish, octopus, reef fish although the highlight was the centre stage aquarium viewed through a huge single glass pane measuring 36m long, 8m tall and 0.7m thick.

    After a few hours we took the final MRT to Changi airport, which in itself is an attraction so we were keen to arrive early and explore. As you can imagine, Singapore didn’t skimp on their airport and it was nice just walking around looking at the various architecture and design. The highlight was The Jewel, a large, round glass-topped building filled with shops around the outside and a massive water feature inside. It was full of plants, flowers, viewing points, lighting and of course the full length water vortex flowing from the roof down through the floor. The flow lit up as the sun began to fade and was like being inside a man-made jungle of the future. Not a bad place to wait! There were various extra paid attractions inside including high rope net walks, mazes and bridges but we were more than happy just sitting back and relaxing ahead of our flight. We wondered around and ate dinner before finally making it to our last gate ready for the flight back to UK via Dubai, on the Emirates double decker A380.

    We've absolutely loved Singapore. It really has been a fantastic end to our journey, although such a contrast to other places we've travelled. There is of course a significant amount of wealth here but a real clean and tidy feel all set within a very well developed, modern city that is clearly pushing the boundaries of modern architecture and design. Although expensive, we've been able to enjoy Singapore for no more than an average days budget. By just being a little savvy with food, drink and attractions we've left more than content with what we've seen and done although what a playground Singapore could be if you had the money.    Read more

  • Dan WantSouth East Asia
    1
    Day 96

    So Long Singapore

    September 23, 2022 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Today is our final day!

    This morning we woke up and had breakfast which consisted of pastries bought the night before. We’re off to Sentosa to see the SE Asia Aquarium, one of the biggest in the world. It was great seeing all the marine life including sharks, rays, jelly fish, octopus, reef fish etc… however the highlight was the centre stage aquarium viewed through a massive single glass pane measuring 36m long, 8m tall and 0.7m thick. I bet that was a job to install.

    After a few hours we took the final MRT to Changi airport which in itself is an attraction so we were keen to arrive early and explore. As you’d imagine, Singapore didn’t skimp on their airport and it was nice just walking around looking at the various architecture and design. The highlight was The Jewel, a large round glass topped building similar to a shopping mall around the outside with a massive water feature, or rain vortex as they call it, on the inside. The inside area is full of plants, flowers, viewing points, lighting and of course a full length water vortex flowing from the roof down through the floor which lights up as the sun begins to fade. It was like being inside a futuristic artificial jungle, a pretty good waiting room! There are various attractions inside including high rope net walks, mazes and bridges you can pay to do but we were happy just sitting back and relaxing ahead of our flight. We wondered around and ate dinner before finally making it to our last gate ready for the flight back to UK via Dubai, on the Emirates double decker A380.

    Singapore has been short but such a contrast to the rest of SE Asia we’ve seen. There is of course a significant amount of wealth here but a real clean and tidy feel all set within a very well developed, modern city that is clearly pushing the boundaries of modern architecture and design. Although relatively expensive we have been able to enjoy Singapore for no more than an average days budget by being a bit smart with eating/ drinking and attractions etc. It is a shame we were unable to stay longer but all good things must end.

    The last 3 months has been nothing short of a real adventure. It has been extremely eye opening to see different ways of living, different cultures, different people and different attitudes. I’ll come away thinking twice about what real problems are and have made some unforgettable memories, both good and less so all adding to the experience. The sights, cuisine, activities, experience and different culture have been a real joy but unfortunately this marks the final ‘place post’ of our trip. Once back home after a few days, I’ll put together one last short summary to conclude our travels with some of our favourite and most memorable photos.    Read more

  • Southeast Asia 2022
    Day 95

    Exploring More of Singapore

    September 22, 2022 in Singapore ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    After an extremely busy day yesterday, we had a slower morning today. We woke up to rain which passed after an hour or so, after which we decided to look around Singapore Botanical Gardens, a UNESCO world heritage site. We spent a good couple of hours wandering around the park and similar to Gardens by the Bay, had lots of zones to explore such as wetlands, ginger garden, herbs and spices, orchid garden etc. Although still man-made this nature park had more of an authentic, natural feel compared to Gardens by the Bay. Later on we walked Haji lane, a well known vibrant, colourful street although we both found this to be a little underwhelming and didn’t wow us like we hoped it would. We then visited Little India, a couple of stops down on the MRT and stumbled across an Indian food market for some tasty lunch.

    Afterwards, we relaxed at the hotel for a couple of hours before leaving for Marina Bay, once again to watch another light show on water that's played every night in front of the Marina Bay. This was probably one of the best light shows we've ever seen and by far the best on our travels. For a free show it really was special, with lights projecting onto colourful fountains and huge water fans all set to music in front of the Singapore skyline. It was so mesmerising to watch and of course you need to be there to appreciate the drama. We also saw the Merlion statue again, but this time with more changing light projections mapped over it. Singapore by night really is something else. The skyline is just stunning and the whole area has a real buzz with far more people, many of whom are dining in bars and restaurants. Just next to the light show was a glass domed building, built on the lake. Looking closer we spotted this was an Apple store! Goodness knows how they got permission to construct this on the water, but by far the most impressive Apple store we've ever seen! Despite a ‘slower day’ we still managed just under 30,000 steps.    Read more

  • Dan WantSouth East Asia
    Day 95

    Singapore, More Gardens & Light Shows

    September 22, 2022 in Singapore ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    The next day was a later start since it’s fair to say we got our steps in the day before. The first stop was the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO world heritage site. Although still man-made, this garden feels a bit more natural than Gardens by the Bay. We spent a few hours walking around looking at the different zones before leaving for Haji lane. After a small walk around looking at the colourful shops we stopped at another Hawker food centre in Little India for dinner. We ordered an Indian curry, rice and naan but this time it wasn’t westernised so took us a little by surprise although still good.

    Afterwards we relaxed by the hotel before leaving for Marina Bay once again, to watch another light/ water fountain show played every night in front of the hotel. For a free show it really was special with light projections on huge water fans of all to music set in front of the Singapore skyline, perfect! Of course you really need to be there to appreciate it, photos dont really do anything. As well as the light show we stopped by the glowing Merlion statue this time animated with projected colours almost making it look alive.    Read more

  • Southeast Asia 2022
    Day 94

    Flower Dome & Cloud Forest, Singapore

    September 21, 2022 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Later in the afternoon we returned to Gardens by the Bay to visit two conservatory attractions, the Flower Dome (the largest greenhouse in the world) and the Cloud Forest. Compared to other parts of the gardens, we did have to pay for these attractions but thought it was worth a look. The Flower Dome unsurprisingly contained all sorts of flowers from all over the world, although it seemed other tourists were far more interested in reading and photographing particular species of plants than we were. We stayed and looked around for an hour or so before moving onto Cloud Forest which contained one of the largest indoor artificial waterfalls. Cloud Forest centred around a large structure showing different vegetation levels growing at various altitudes down to sea level. The structure included another skywalk and every few hours a cloud show would fill the entire space with mist.

    As you can imagine, Singapore is not cheap. Restaurant food looks to have no limit so we've opted to eat at Hawker centres. This is an indoor food hall filled with street vendors selling much cheaper local food. There are loads of these Hawker centres around Singapore but we ate at Amoy Hawker centre. This was far more in line with what we’ve been used to and could enjoy good, local food for a fraction of restaurant price albeit still much more than the rest of southeast Asia.

    Afterwards, we walked back to the Gardens, walking on part of what would soon become the Singapore F1 track, to watch the night time light show under the Supertree Grove. Tonight’s theme was retro music. We weren’t quite sure what to expect having seen a few light shows on various monuments during our travels, but this show was very good!

    Really enjoying Singapore so far. Our first impressions are that it is a pretty place, extremely modern as you'd expect but also very clean. We have not seen litter anywhere - Singapore really does put UK to shame in this regard. Today's been a busy day and and we've walked over 35,000 steps. A good nights sleep is due tonight!    Read more

  • Dan WantSouth East Asia
    1
    Day 94

    Singapore, Marina Bay

    September 21, 2022 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    We finally arrived in Singapore after a delayed flight but straight through customs to the MRT (Singapore’s equivalent of an underground) to our accommodation for the last few days. We stayed at a budget hotel, little more than a basic but clean room with private bathroom. Capsule pods were the same sort of price but of course are capsules not rooms. Funnily this small hotel room cost the same as the luxury golden hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam. That evening we ate dinner at a local restaurant and then called it a day.

    The following day was mostly spent at the Gardens by the Bay and around the Marina Bay Sands area. Gardens by the Bay are a man made outdoor garden with all sorts of species. It also contains the iconic Supertree Grove which is a collection of metal tree looking structures, one with an observation deck and a few others with a suspended skywalk bridge. These are quite a majestic to look at with plants growing up the ‘trunk’ lit up by coloured lights during the evening. The gardens also house two indoor biodomes or huge greenhouses - one called Cloud Forest and the other called Flower Dome. Although Gardens by the Bay is free to enter, the two domes were not but were amazing inside. Flower Dome, unsurprisingly contains all sorts of flowers from all over the world. We stayed and looked around for an hour or so before moving onto Cloud Forest which contains one of the larges indoors artificial waterfalls. Cloud Forest centres around a large structure and shows a range of vegetation that typically grows at altitude down the sea level. The structure includes another skywalk and every few hours a cloud show where the entire spaces fills with mist. Both domes were cool inside which was a nice change from the heat outside. The flowers and vegetation inside was very well done, but I must say I did think the actual structure last themselves were very impressive.

    Later on we walked around the Marina Bay shopping mall. A little odd seeing such high end designer shops in a very modern looking complex given the typical shops we’re used to. Afterwards we walked across the bay to Merlion point with amazing views of the also inconic Marina Bay Sans Hotel. Whilst walking around we noticed how clean and tidy it is. There is no litter or rubbish in sight at least nothing compared to how other big cities too often look. There is a very clean and modern feel to Singapore that shows throughout.

    As you can imagine, Singapore is not cheap. Restaurant food looks to have no limit so we opted to eat at a Hawker centre. A Hawker centre is an indoor food hall filled with street vendors selling much cheaper local food. There are loads of these Hawker centres around Singapore but we are at Amoy Hawker centre. This is much more inline with what we’ve been used to and could enjoy good local food for a fraction of restaurant price albeit still much more than the rest of SE Asia.

    Afterwards we headed back to the Gardens, walking on part of what will soon become the Singapore F1 track, to watch the nighttime light show under the Supertree Grove. Tonight’s theme, retro music. We weren’t quite sure what to expect having seen a few light shows on various monuments during our travels but this show was very good!    Read more

  • Southeast Asia 2022
    Day 94

    Marina Bay, Singapore

    September 21, 2022 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    We arrived in Singapore yesterday. Long story short, it was a bit of a nightmare with one flight being delayed by over three hours. Luckily we didn’t miss our connecting flight from Kuala Lumpur and made it to Singapore for the evening. We stayed at a budget hotel, no more than a basic but clean room with a private bathroom. Capsule pods were the same sort of price but of course were capsules not private rooms. Funnily enough, this small hotel room cost the same as the luxury golden hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam.

    Today was our first day exploring Singapore. We'd bought a travel card which gave us unlimited use on the MRT (Singapore’s equivalent to the London Underground) for the duration of our stay. The MRT was great and in fact just a better version of the underground. It had air con, was more spacious and included small details such as timings between stations, lights on the map in the carriage to indicate which direction the route was going and signs which lit up to show you which side to exit from etc. Very minor details but made travel so much easier!

    Our first stop was Gardens by the Bay, a man-made nature park spanning an area of 250 acres, consisting of a diverse range of flora and fauna from across the world. It also contained a well known attraction called Supertree Grove, a complex of large metal tree structures. We spent a couple of hours wandering around the gardens which had many different areas to explore such as a cactus zone, silver garden, fruits and flowers, colonial garden and much more. After grabbing a bite to eat, we took a stroll around Marina Bay. Throughout the afternoon we visited the Marina Sands shopping centre, Merlion statue and Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Some may recognise this iconic hotel which looks like a ship on top of three skyscrapers. It's massive and an amazing piece of architecture although clearly was well out of our budget with room prices starting at £500 a night. The shopping centre was very upmarket with many designer shops and even a water feature running through it.    Read more

  • Dan WantSouth East Asia
    Day 92

    Senggigi, Senaru & Kuta, Lombok

    September 19, 2022 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    The first afternoon in Lombok was spent in Senggigi. There was not much around despite apparently being one of the busier areas. We did head to the beach for a walk but to be honest, the next days trek was on our mind so it was dinner and an early night.

    The next day we were driven to Senaru. This time there was even less around but we did go to see two waterfalls. Something we hadn’t read up before we came to Indonesia is that throughout the day prayers are played in the villages through a loud speaker. This includes early hours of the morning between 2am-5am. Unfortunately for us, this loud speaker was very close by so it wasn’t the best sleep before our busy day ahead.

    Fast forward to after Rinjani and we left for Kuta. Kuta is considered to be the busiest area in Lombok and this was more evident. After a 4 hour drive from Sembalum to Kuta we checked into our homestay for the night. It was a nice private outbuilding with an outdoor shower and a pool although we didn’t end up using the pool.

    The following morning we had a lay in as our legs were pretty sore as you can imagine. After breakfast, we hired out a scooter and rode to Mawun beach about 15 minutes away. It was a quiet bay with white sand and very few people around although unfortunately there was a fair bit of plastic in the ocean which is quite common around south Lombok apparently. Of course within minutes of walking along the sand we were asked if we wanted a sun bed until we finally gave it and agreed we’d to one. Within a few more minutes two young girls came up to Jess looking to sell a bracelet. They appeared to speak good English but in reality I expected it was a very well learnt script which included ‘you look pretty like an Angel’. After that Jess agreed to buy a bracelet for around 30p which they seemed happy about. After chatting to the owner of this shack it became clear our lives are very different. He was very forward and interested in UK living including salaries, housing and transport which I was open about. Our 3 month travel budget would buy a house in Lombok which he was very shocked to hear, however when I told him UK houses start at 250k for something small, he couldn’t believe it. He could speak English but could not read or write, so I ended up helping him with a conversation on WhatsApp he was trying to have with another English couple he met a few weeks ago. This English couple apparently wanted a small holiday home in Lombok and he wanted to build it for them on his land to which they seemed genuinely interested in albeit a bit strange…

    We parted ways and left for another beach called Tanjung Aan. Again another quiet beach with little around but easy to relax on watching people trying to surf. Lombok’s equivalent of an ice cream van is a scooter with a polystyrene cool box strapped to the back. ‘Ice cream, ice cream’ he called and and rode strait over. Of course we had to get one.

    Riding back we passed Pertamina Mandalika race track. I’m yet to read up on this track but I understand it is relatively new and it looks as if a serious amount of money is being put into surrounding infrastructure so it can cope with mass tourism in the future. Most of Kuta is little more than shacks along a road and the odd restaurant/ bar by the many beaches. This newly developed infrastructure includes miles of wide bricked pavements with built in seating, freshly laid dual carriageways, modern looking street lamps and bus stops all with loads of plants that were all being watered by multiple tankers. This may seem normal for UK but this sort of infrastructure is rare in south east Asia, let alone the small island of Lombok, currently considered to be the unspoiled Bali. It really did look out of place with the rest of the island and looks as if Lombok is gearing up for mass tourism as a result of this track, at least around the Kuta area. Maybe one to watch over the next 5-10 years?

    We then spent 5 minutes at Kuta Beach which is just filled with rubbish unfortunately so turned around and had an evening walking around Kuta’s strip, looking in stalls and eating dinner before tomorrows flight to Singapore marking the last stop on our travels before our flight home.    Read more

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